Dinner

The Best Taco Recipe

Name: The Best Taco Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup tomato sauce; ½ cup water; 8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas; Toppings, as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion

Byluca Carter January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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Introduction

Tacos are a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. This recipe uses seasoned ground beef for a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Four hard shell tacos are lined up on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco has four layers: a yellow taco shell, a layer of cooked ground beef at the bottom, topped with chopped green lettuce, followed by diced red tomatoes and diced purple onions, and finished with shredded orange cheddar cheese scattered on top. Small pieces of lettuce, tomato, and onion are scattered around the plate. A white bowl filled with creamy white sour cream sits near the top right of the plate. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup tomato sauce

½ cup water
8 taco-size corn or flour tortillas
Toppings, as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Lower the heat to medium and add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors meld.
Step 3: Warm the tortillas either in a skillet or microwave. Spoon the seasoned meat into each tortilla and top with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist.
Try warming tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth to keep them soft and pliable.

Customize your toppings—pickled jalapeños or fresh lime juice add great flavor.

Storage

Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Tortillas are best warmed fresh but can be wrapped and stored for a day.

How to Serve

The image shows four yellow corn taco shells lined up on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco is filled with several layers starting from the bottom with dark brown cooked ground beef, followed by leafy green lettuce, small red tomato pieces, diced purple onions, and topped with thin orange shredded cheese. Scattered small pieces of lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese are visible around the plate. To the right of the tacos, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth white sour cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seasoned meat a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat it before assembling the tacos for the best flavor and texture.

What type of tortillas should I use?

You can use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference. Corn tortillas offer a traditional taste, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and more flexible.